Etihad Rail Passes Major Milestone
The Etihad Rail network reached a major milestone this month with the opening of a direct line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
This 250km section is a key component of the national passenger and freight rail network currently under construction between the UAE’s seven emirates.
Ricardo has been supporting the project since 2011 as the appointed Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) for the entire build programme.
As the ISA, we are ensuring every aspect of the project meets the expected standards for safety throughout its development.
Our responsibilities include conducting assessments and audits of the engineering system safety plans, processes and documentation during the design, manufacture, installation, testing and trial operations, as well as the system’s performance once services commence.
The new national railway for UAE will underpin the wider region’s economic development. As well as providing a new coast-to-coast service, it will eventually become part of a planned 2,000km network connecting all member states of the Gulf Co-operation Council.
Etihad Rail also estimates that the railway will significantly reduce trips currently undertaken in the UAE by road. Once the entire network is open to freight and passenger traffic, it is forecast to reduce annual greenhouse gases by more than 2.2 million tonnes – equivalent to taking more than 375,000 vehicles off the roads.
This article was originally published by Ricardo Rail.
